Chris Rosebrough, of Fighting for the Faith, published this wonderful article in October, 2009 on the distinction between Law & Gospel:

In order to preach the saving Word in its truth and purity a careful and thorough distinction between Law and Gospel is indispensably necessary. The distinction between these two doctrines is the key to the Bible. Any man who does not know that the Bible contains these two distinct doctrines will not and cannot understand its teachings; the Bible will appear to him a book full of contradictions. When the Lord says, “Do this — love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and your neighbor as yourself, — and you will live,” Luke 10:27-28, and the apostle writes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works” Eph. 2:8-9, these two words cannot but seem contradictory to him who does not know that they belong to two distinct systems of teaching. It is not possible that a preacher who has himself not learned to distinguish doctrines could present the plan of salvation in its proper order. A sharp distinction between Law and Gospel alone will teach the pastor where each doctrine belongs and in what connection it must be preached.

To continue to read, click Safe Harbor Dispatch for October 23, 2009.